Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Differences in Dementia Caregiving: Review and Analysis

Compared to White caregivers, non-White caregivers were less likely to be a spouse and morelikely to be an adult child, friend, or other family member, and were more likely to use prayer, faith, or religion as coping mechanisms.

Abstract

This study provides a review and analysis of the empirical research published since 1985 that has examined the impact of race, culture, and/or ethnicity on the dementia caregiving experience. Ten of the 12 studies included in the review focused on comparisons between Black and White caregivers; one examined differences between Black and Hispanic caregivers, and one focused on White and Hispanic caregivers. Compared to White caregivers, non-White caregivers: a) were less likely to be a spouse and more likely to be an adult child, friend, or other family member, b) reported lower levels of caregiver stress, burden, and depression, c) endorsed more strongly held beliefs about filial support, and d) were more likely to use prayer, faith, or religion as coping mechanisms. Strategies for advancing research in this area are discussed.